“Praise Allah, There Are Still People Like You”: Jeffrey Epstein Nurtured Israel-Emirates Ties Before Abraham Accords
Deep Dives
Explore related topics with these Wikipedia articles, rewritten for enjoyable reading:
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Abraham Accords
11 min read
Central to the article's thesis about Epstein's role in building Israel-UAE ties before the formal normalization agreements; provides essential context on the diplomatic framework that emerged from these behind-the-scenes relationships
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DP World
1 min read
The logistics conglomerate is a key player throughout the article, from the 2006 U.S. ports controversy to current Somaliland investments; understanding its global reach and strategic importance illuminates UAE's projection of power
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Somaliland
1 min read
The article opens with Israel's recognition of Somaliland as the latest manifestation of Israel-UAE cooperation; readers would benefit from understanding this unrecognized state's complex history and strategic location on the Red Sea
The UAE has been making an ambitious play over the past decade for regional dominance stretching from their own shores to the Horn of Africa and beyond, paying particular attention to control of the Red Sea. In addition to its recent gambit with Israel to entrench a separatist state in Somaliland over the furious objections of both the Arab League and African Union, Abu Dhabi has begun challenging its own neighbors by bolstering an ill-fated secessionist uprising in southern Yemen. That movement was suppressed by a rapid Saudi-backed military offensive that has sharpened tensions with the Emiratis.
The UAE has learned to punch above its weight by mastering the art of buying influence with global elites—particularly in Washington, but also through a deepening strategic partnership with Israel that came into the open with the 2020 Abraham Accords. The story of how a diminutive Gulf state came to sit so close to the center of global power has never been fully told. And Jeffrey Epstein played a part in coaching Emirati elites and building the relationship between Israel and the UAE.
The story below, based on private correspondence from Epstein spanning more than a decade, tells the story of his intimate relationship with Sultan Sulayem, the powerful head of the Dubai Ports World financial empire and an individual closely connected to the Emirati ruling families. The story helps reveal the hidden backstory of the Abraham Accords, which were signed one year after Epstein’s death.
This is the latest in Drop Site’s series on Epstein’s intelligence ties, and there is more to come. More leaked communications to analyze. More security deals to track. But we can only continue if we have the resources and legal protection to defend this work.
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On December 26, 2025, Israel became the first country to recognize the Republic of Somaliland as an independent state, signing a mutual
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